Delaware Canal and towpath
Photograph from the National Historic Landmarks collection

Views of the canal and
one of the camelback bridges Photograph from the National Historic Landmarks collection

Approved by the Pennsylvania
legislature in 1827 as part of the State's grand scheme to construct
a statewide system of canals, the Delaware Division of the Pennsylvania
Canal was completed in 1832. The longest-lived canal in the
country, operating for more than a century, the canal opened
the anthracite coalfields to the markets of Philadelphia and
New York City. Anthracite made up more than 90 percent of the
canal's cargo. Through its connections with the Lehigh Canal,
the Delaware Canal served a primary function in the development
of the anthracite coal industry in the upper Lehigh Valley.
By providing a convenient and economical means of transplanting
the coal to Philadelphia, New York, and the eastern seaboard,
the advantages of this heating medium were made available to
thousands of individuals and industries, thus conserving the
rapidly dwindling wood resources being consumed for domestic
heating purposes.

The introduction of anthracite in place of charcoal in the
operation of the iron furnaces stimulated the expansion of
iron industries along the Lehigh and Delaware rivers. During
the Delaware Canal's active existence, approximately 33 million
tons of anthracite coal and about 6 million tons of miscellaneous
cargoes, including foodstuffs for communities were transported
along the canal. The Delaware Canal also stimulated local
economies along its route, and all the communities along its
length enjoyed prosperity. Now maintained as a State park,
the Delaware Canal still contains water throughout most of
its original length. Almost all of the locks, aqueducts, and
overflows are still extant, as well as numerous associated
historic properties such as lockkeeper houses and camelback
bridges. Designated a National Historic Landmark, the Delaware
Canal retains a great deal of integrity throughout its length
and provides a nostalgic reminder of a once vital transportation
link.

The Delaware Division of the Pennsylvania Canal, or Delaware
Canal State Park, parallels the west bank of the Delaware
River from Easton to Bristol (Bucks and Northampton Counties).
The Visitor Center, at Two Rivers Landing, in Easton is open
Tuesday-Sunday, from 10:00am to 5:00pm. Please call the Visitor
Center at 610-515-8000or visit the website.